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Golf

Gasparilla Invitational

Players get ready for Gasparilla Invitational

By BOB HARIG
Published March 1, 2007

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Gasparilla Invitational

Peter Dachisen of Wesley Chapel will attempt to defend one of the oldest amateur titles in the country when the 52nd Gasparilla Invitational begins Friday at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club in Tampa. Dachisen shot a final-round 67 last year on the par-70 Donald Ross-designed course to win by two shots over Jack Hall and Jimmy Jones. A tournament director for the Florida State Golf Association, Dachisen won in 2002 when he tied the tournament scoring record. The Gasparilla, a 54-hole event, traditionally attracts top amateurs from around the country. Spectators are welcome. Call 813 253-3061 for information.

The day I broke 90

It was the mid 1960s, and I was playing in one of my first tournaments. I don't remember the name of the course, but it was in Wisconsin, and it's where I broke 90 for the first time. But I'll never forget a couple of the shots I made that day. I shot 47 on the front, which was a good score for me. The back nine was another matter. The fun started on the 12th hole, a par 4. I sliced a drive, but my 5-wood second shot hit the pin and I tapped in for birdie. On the next hole, my 7-iron second hit the flag stick and nearly dropped in the cup. Another birdie. I parred the last hole for a 37. I won low net by six or seven strokes and was heavily harassed as being a sandbagger, but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. It would be years before I broke 90 again.

Jim Lyman, Lutz

All in the family

One of the most pleasurable experiences I've had in golf was a few years ago when my dad, my son and I played as a team (along with a friend of my dad's) in a tournament sponsored by my dad's Lions Club. There were probably 20 teams or so, but we were on top of our game. We won the tournament, my son won the longest drive award and I won the closest to the pin award.

I'll never forget the joy on my dad's face! He's now 88, but we still play as a family every chance we get.

Lynn Stevens, Palm Harbor

Birdies and bogeys

Area event of the week

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Tell us about your golf game

What rules would you like to discuss? Share your most pleasurable experience on a golf course? When and where? Why? Or, what was the worst? Tell us in 100 words or fewer and we will run selected comments in the coming weeks. Put "golf" in the subject line and e-mail to: harig@sptimes.com.